Last week we picked up a set of kitchen utensils from Value Village, featuring beautiful mustard yellow ceramic handles ($1.99). The only problem was that the wooden portion was finished with this ugly yellow stain, and an awful clear coat. So I began the process of sanding down the clear coat to reveal a beautiful light beech wood (the pictures make the 70s finish better looking than it really is).

Marked “Japan” in a really cool typeface.

And here is the result:

I think it’s a huge improvement, so much more honest and simple. I finished it off with an oil rub finish using Terra Nova NaturOil which is completely natural and leaves a great finish!

– John –

Photos by: John Baker